Contents

Collection Overview

Biographical Note

Scope and Contents of the Collection

Organization of the Collection

Search Terms

Herbert John Davis Personal Papers, 1893-1973

Finding Aid

Finding aid prepared by Tamara Weiner.

Encoding funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

© 2003

Biographical Note

Herbert John Davis was born on May 24, 1893 in Northamptonshire, England, where he received his elementary and secondary education. He later attended Oxford University (St. John's College) from which he graduated in 1914. He then served in France and Belgium during WWI and in 1919 he returned to Oxford to earn his A.M. In 1922, Davis married Gertrude Lucas of Opladen, Rheinland, Germany but she died tragically just six years later. In 1930, Davis married Gladys Wookey of Toronto and the couple had two daughters, Charlotte Elisabeth Ann and Jane.

In 1920, Davis acquired a position at the University of Leeds where he taught for two years. He then moved to the University of Toronto where he remained for sixteen years. Davis was hired as an Associate Professor of English, and later promoted to a full Professor. He also served as Chair of the English department. In 1938, Davis accepted a position as Chair of the English department at Cornell University.

In 1939, Davis succeeded William Allan Neilson as president of Smith College and he assumed this role for the 1940-1941 school year. Davis served as the fourth president of Smith College until 1949 when he returned to Oxford as a reader in textual criticism. Davis retired from Oxford in 1960.

During his academic career, Davis made several notable contributions. Following his passion for poetry and prose, Davis became a world renowned expert on Jonathan Swift and wrote several books on his work including Swift's View of Poetry (1931) and Stella, a Gentlewoman of the Eighteenth Century (1942). The latter is an account of the friendship that existed between Swift and Esther Johnson. Davis also edited the fourteen volume work, The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift (1939-68). Davis' distinguished literary contributions were well recognized and he received several honorary degrees including a Doctorate of Laws from Amherst College in 1940.

In addition to his enthusiasm for the English language, Davis was also extremely socially conscious and particularly concerned with WWII raging overseas. Perhaps his most memorable act of charity was providing a home to five British refugee children for several years during the war. Many of his colleagues and friends followed his lead and opened their doors to children in need. Davis died on March 28, 1967.

Return to the Table of Contents

Scope and Contents of the Collection

The Herbert John Davis Personal Papers are primarily related to his personal life. Types of material include correspondence; speeches; publications; photographs; newspaper articles; and memorabilia. Although the chronological focus of the collection is Davis' presidential years, the records pertain to life outside his presidential duties.

Return to the Table of Contents

Search Terms

Return to the Table of Contents

Organization of the Collection

This collection is organized into five series:

• I. Biographical Material
• II. Correspondence
• III. Inauguration
• IV. Photographs
• V. Publications and Speeches

Return to the Table of Contents

Series I. Biographical Material, (1893-1973) 2.5 linear inches

This series provides an overview of Herbert John Davis' career and personal life and is arranged alphabetically. Newspaper clippings and magazine articles, dating from 1939 to 1973, document Davis' many achievements, focusing on education, awards, and travel as well as his work with the European Recovery Program.

Series II. Correspondence, (1940-1950) 5 linear inches

This series documents Davis' personal correspondence during his time as president of Smith College. This series is arranged by subject and includes correspondence regarding, among other things, Davis' interest in the author Jonathan Swift.

Series III. Inauguration, (1939-1940) 2.5 linear inches

This series documents Davis' presidential appointment in 1939 as well as his inauguration in 1940. Included in this series are congratulatory letters from colleagues and friends as well as newspaper clippings and publications.

Series IV. Photographs, (1939-1964) 2.5 linear inches

The bulk of this series documents Davis' presidency at Smith College and is arranged chornologically. Included in this series are inaugural photographs, formal portraits, candid shots, and the weddings of daughters, Charlotte Elisabeth Ann Davis (Falconer) and Jane Davis (Knowles).

Series V. Publications and Speeches, (1940-1964) 1.5 linear feet

This series is comprised of speeches and publications written during Davis' presidency at Smith College and the years following. Included are speeches given at area colleges and organizations and his published work on the poetry of Jonathan Swift.

Arranged by subject.